Branscombe Village Hall Sports Pavilion
Branscombe Village Hall sports pavilion

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is making grants of up to £5,000 available for community buildings and community shops in rural areas of the district.

The council is urging rural community organisations who have a building used by multiple groups or community shops and are planning a capital project or refurbishments to apply for financial help from its successful Community Buildings Fund. The next closing date for applications is Monday 27 June 2022.

Village halls, community buildings and community shops in East Devon’s villages and rural areas are eligible (those within an area covered by a town council are not eligible).

The scheme’s purpose is to help rural community buildings and community shops all around East Devon with funding for projects such as new or improved toilet facilities, kitchen facilities, floor repairs or energy efficiency measures.

In 2021/2022 successful applications were:
• Branscombe Village Hall Sports Pavilion received £3,000 towards renewing the Pavilion itself.
• Lympstone Village Hall was granted £3,364 to help pay for audio and visual equipment to increase the appeal and usability of hall.
• Northleigh Village Hall received £2,259 towards renewing the surfacing of the car park, which was becoming difficult for people with mobility issues.

Councillor Jack Rowland, Chair of East Devon District Council’s Community Grants Panel said:

Community buildings and community shops in the rural areas of our district are such an important part of many people's lives especially in these times when the help of supportive communities through many ways is even more important.

The examples of successful bids show what can be achieved with this grant and we look forward to receiving new applications that meet the criteria.”

Interested applicants can find all the information they need, including application forms, on the East Devon website: https://eastdevon.gov.uk/community-buildings-fund/